According to an old wise saying, we are what we eat, and in all truth, this statement might not be too far off the mark if one takes into consideration the incredible effects diet has on our body and brain. Of course, depending on what we eat, these effects can be either beneficial or extremely harmful. This explains why so many of our common diseases such as diabetes, heart problems, depression, and ultimately obesity have so much to do with what we eat and how we feed ourselves. What makes things even worse, is that there are a number of foods that are not as healthy for you as you probably think. For example, a prepared salad might have just as many calories and fat grams as a burger from a fast-food chain. Hopefully, the following list will help you restructure your diet and help improve your physical and mental health as well.
Written by Theodoros II
BROWN RICE
Brown rice is often considered healthier than white rice, but white rice may actually be the better choice. Like anything from the grain family, rice contains a certain level of anti-nutrients like phytates that can make it hard for us to absorb the minerals it contains.
BREAD
Bread has been the most basic foodstuff on a family’s table for thousands of years but it’s not necessarily healthy, especially if it’s white. Since it’s low in fiber and protein, which helps slow digestion, white bread is digested and absorbed rapidly, which leads to a quick rise in blood sugar. When blood sugar elevates rapidly, excess insulin is released into the bloodstream to push the sugar into the cell and that’s not good for your health at all.
FRUIT JUICE
Pretty much everyone is aware of how healthy and beneficial it is to drink fruit juice every day but in reality we have all been misinformed. Whether you make it at home or buy it at the store, when the skin of the fruit is removed that’s bad. The pasteurization process also destroys all the natural enzymes that are alive in the natural fruit, which aids in both digestion and other natural bodily functions; pasteurization also destroys a large amount of the vitamins and minerals. Last, commercial fruit juices usually include mad amounts of sugar just like soda.
ICEBERG LETTUCE
Make no mistake, iceberg lettuce includes a lot of water and is good for you in general but the truth is that compared to other greens it lacks a lot of nutritional value. Other than water that comes with very few calories, iceberg lettuce won’t provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs.
CHEESE
Even though cheese is delicious and small amounts of it can fit into most people’s diets, the fact is cheese is not very healthy since it’s high in calories and fat (six to nine grams per ounce, most of which is saturated) and often contains a lot of sodium.
BANANAS
Even though bananas are definitely healthy and contain a lot of helpful potassium, they are still not the healthiest solution if you are one of those people who are looking for a lower glycemic option. For example, avocados provide more health benefits than bananas and have less calories.
GRANOLA
It’s true that granola offers great numbers in terms of fiber and iron but what many of us don’t know is that along with these benefits, granola can be very high in calories, oils you don’t need, and contain loads of sugar.
MILK CHOCOLATE
You’ve probably heard this many times before, but it’s always good to remember that no matter how much tastier milk chocolate is, it is still only mainly sugar and dairy, while dark chocolate is over seventy percent cacao, which is actually good for you. Cacao chocolate contains fiber, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, and other minerals that will help your brain function better.
PROTEIN BARS
Another myth to be busted concerns protein bars. Actually, it all depends on the protein bar really. There are healthy protein bars, and then there are some that might be as fattening as a Twix. So whenever you crave one after working out, make sure to keep an eye on the amount of sugar in it.
PEANUT BUTTER
Peanut butter contains high amounts of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, and a decent amount of protein. However, as with most foods it should be eaten in moderation because its health benefits will be quickly offset and cause an increase in body fat.
CEREAL
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